Are Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses Right For You
What Are Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
Rigid gas permeable contact lenses are made from firm, oxygen-permeable materials that maintain their shape on your eye. Unlike soft lenses that flex and mold to your cornea, RGP lenses hold a consistent shape, which provides several advantages for vision correction and eye health.
RGP lenses are smaller than soft contact lenses and sit within the cornea rather than covering the entire front surface of your eye. This smaller size allows tears to flow more freely underneath the lens with each blink, which helps keep your eyes naturally lubricated and delivers fresh oxygen to your cornea. The rigid material maintains a smooth, stable optical surface that does not fluctuate or dehydrate throughout the day like soft lenses can. This design creates a tear layer between the lens and your cornea that acts as a liquid lens, smoothing out minor irregularities in your corneal surface for exceptional visual clarity.
Many people confuse RGP lenses with the old-fashioned hard contact lenses made from PMMA plastic that were common decades ago. Those older lenses did not allow oxygen to reach the cornea, which could cause serious discomfort and corneal health problems including corneal hypoxia, a condition where your cornea is starved of oxygen. Modern RGP lenses are made from advanced silicone-based polymers that are highly oxygen-permeable, allowing your eyes to breathe naturally while still providing the benefits of a rigid lens design. These newer materials make RGP lenses safe and comfortable for daily wear.
Each RGP lens is custom-made to match the unique shape and curvature of your cornea based on precise measurements taken during your fitting. This personalized fit ensures better vision correction and comfort compared to standard-sized soft lenses. If you have an irregularly shaped cornea, a high prescription, or a condition that is difficult to fit with regular contact lenses, custom RGP lenses may provide the solution you need. At ReFocus Eye Health Bloomfield (NW), our ophthalmologists use advanced measurement technology to design lenses specifically for your eyes.
Benefits of RGP Contact Lenses
Rigid gas permeable lenses offer several important advantages over soft contact lenses. Understanding these benefits can help you decide if RGP lenses are worth the initial adjustment period.
RGP lenses typically provide sharper, crisper vision than soft contact lenses. Because they maintain their rigid shape and have a smooth surface, they do not fluctuate or dry out the way soft lenses can throughout the day. The stable optical surface allows light to focus more consistently on your retina, which is especially beneficial for correcting refractive errors. The tear layer that forms between the lens and your cornea creates a liquid optical surface that masks minor corneal irregularities, providing excellent clarity that many patients say is even better than their vision with eyeglasses.
One of the most important benefits of RGP lenses is their superior oxygen permeability. The lens material itself allows more oxygen to pass through to your cornea, and because RGP lenses are smaller and move slightly with each blink, fresh tears and oxygen constantly circulate underneath the lens. This continuous tear exchange ensures that your cornea receives the oxygen it needs to stay healthy. Superior oxygen supply helps prevent complications like corneal swelling, reduces the risk of infections, and helps maintain healthier corneas over the long term, making RGP lenses an excellent choice for people who plan to wear contact lenses for many years.
RGP lenses are much more durable than soft contact lenses. They resist tearing, do not dry out or lose moisture, and maintain their shape and optical quality for extended periods. With proper care and handling, a single pair of RGP lenses can last for one to two years or even longer, making them a cost-effective option over time. While the initial investment may be higher than soft lenses, the extended lifespan means you will replace them less frequently, saving money in the long run.
Caring for RGP lenses is typically simpler than caring for soft contact lenses. RGP lenses are less susceptible to protein and lipid deposits that can build up on soft lenses and reduce their performance and comfort. The rigid surface does not absorb materials from your tears the way soft lenses do. The cleaning routine is straightforward and requires less complicated solutions than some soft lens care systems, and because the lenses last longer, you spend less time dealing with lens replacements.
RGP lenses are particularly effective at correcting astigmatism, including higher degrees of astigmatism that can be challenging to correct with soft lenses. Because they hold their rigid shape on your eye, they compensate for the irregular curvature of your cornea that causes astigmatism. The lens creates a new, smooth optical surface over your cornea regardless of its underlying shape. Many people with moderate to high astigmatism achieve significantly better vision with RGP lenses than with soft toric contact lenses, which can rotate or shift position and cause vision to blur.
The smaller size of RGP lenses and their resistance to deposits can reduce the risk of certain contact lens-related complications. Because less of your eye is covered by the lens, there is less surface area where bacteria or debris can become trapped. The excellent oxygen permeability and tear exchange help maintain a healthier ocular surface, which can reduce your risk of developing contact lens-related dry eye or other complications associated with extended lens wear.
Who Should Consider RGP Lenses
Certain vision conditions and eye characteristics make rigid gas permeable lenses an especially good choice. Our ophthalmologists at ReFocus Eye Health Bloomfield (NW) will evaluate your eyes and lifestyle to determine if you are a good candidate for RGP lenses.
If you have astigmatism, especially moderate to high amounts, RGP lenses can often provide better vision correction than soft contact lenses. The rigid lens design effectively corrects both corneal astigmatism, which occurs when your cornea has an irregular shape, and lenticular astigmatism, which occurs when the natural lens inside your eye has an irregular shape. Many patients with astigmatism find that RGP lenses give them the clearest vision they have ever experienced with contact lenses, often surpassing even their vision with eyeglasses.
Keratoconus is a progressive condition where the cornea becomes thinner and develops a cone-like bulge, which causes significant distorted vision that cannot be fully corrected with standard eyeglasses. RGP lenses are often the first-line treatment for keratoconus because they vault over the irregular cornea and create a smooth, spherical optical surface with the tear layer underneath. This provides vision correction that eyeglasses and soft lenses cannot achieve for many keratoconus patients. Studies show that RGP lenses can delay or eliminate the need for corneal transplant surgery in a large majority of keratoconus patients, making them an essential treatment option.
If you have had corneal surgery like LASIK or PRK, corneal scarring from an injury or infection, a corneal transplant, or any condition that causes corneal irregularity, your cornea may have an uneven shape that is difficult to fit with standard soft contact lenses. RGP lenses can be custom designed to fit irregular corneal surfaces and provide clear, comfortable vision by masking the irregularities with the tear layer. Our ophthalmologists have specialized training and advanced diagnostic equipment to fit complex cases like these, ensuring you receive lenses that work for your unique eye shape.
People with high degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism often achieve better vision quality with RGP lenses. The rigid optics provide clearer, more stable vision at higher prescriptions than soft lenses, which can become thicker, less flexible, and less effective as the prescription increases. If you have struggled to achieve sharp vision with soft contact lenses or eyeglasses because of your strong prescription, RGP lenses may offer the clarity you have been seeking.
If maintaining optimal corneal health is a priority for you, RGP lenses offer excellent long-term benefits. The superior oxygen transmission and continuous tear exchange help keep your corneas healthier over many years of contact lens wear compared to some soft lens options. This makes RGP lenses a smart choice for people who plan to wear contact lenses for decades and want to minimize their risk of long-term complications. The durability and stability of RGP lenses also mean fewer lens-related problems over time.
The Adjustment Period
One of the main differences between RGP lenses and soft lenses is the initial adaptation period. Understanding what to expect can help you successfully transition to RGP lenses and enjoy their long-term benefits.
RGP lenses do not feel as immediately comfortable as soft contact lenses when you first start wearing them. You will likely feel the lens on your eye more than you would with a soft lens, and you may experience some awareness of the lens edge, particularly when you blink. This sensation is completely normal and temporary. Some people describe it as feeling like there is something in your eye or a slight pressure on the cornea. The sensation is not painful but can be surprising if you are used to the cushioned feel of soft lenses.
Most people need about one to two weeks to fully adapt to RGP lenses, though some people adjust more quickly and others may take slightly longer. During this time, your eyelids become accustomed to the presence of the rigid lens, the nerve endings on your cornea become less sensitive to the lens edge, and the sensation becomes much less noticeable. Our ophthalmologists will provide a wearing schedule that gradually increases the amount of time you wear the lenses each day during the adaptation period, starting with just a few hours and building up to full-day wear.
The key to successfully adapting to RGP lenses is consistent daily wear during the adaptation period. Unlike soft lenses, you cannot wear RGP lenses intermittently or just occasionally, especially during the first few weeks. Your eyes need regular, daily exposure to the lenses to build tolerance and complete the adaptation process. If you stop wearing the lenses for several days or only wear them sporadically, you may lose your adaptation and need to start the process over again. Following the wearing schedule provided by our ophthalmologists and staying patient during the first week or two will lead to success.
Once you complete the adaptation period, most RGP wearers find their lenses very comfortable throughout the day, often reporting that they forget they are wearing lenses at all. Many people report that the superior vision quality makes the initial adjustment period completely worthwhile. The clarity and crispness of vision with RGP lenses often exceeds what patients experienced with their previous soft lenses or eyeglasses, and the long-term comfort rivals that of soft lenses once adaptation is complete.
Situations Where RGP Lenses May Not Be Ideal
While RGP lenses offer many advantages, they are not the best choice for everyone. Certain situations and lifestyle factors may make soft contact lenses or other vision correction options a better fit.
RGP lenses can become dislodged more easily than soft lenses during vigorous physical activity or contact sports. Because they are smaller and sit on the cornea rather than draping over the entire eye surface, they are more prone to popping out if something bumps your eye or you experience rapid head movements. If you play contact sports like basketball, football, or soccer, soft lenses may be a safer choice. However, some athletes successfully wear RGP lenses with protective eyewear.
If you only want to wear contact lenses occasionally, on weekends, or just for special events, RGP lenses are not ideal. They require consistent daily wear to maintain comfort and adaptation, and taking breaks from wearing them for several days can cause you to lose your tolerance. When you put them back in after a break, they may feel uncomfortable again. Soft lenses are better suited for people who want to alternate between contact lenses and eyeglasses or who only need contacts occasionally.
While RGP lenses allow good oxygen flow and tear circulation, they may worsen symptoms for some people with chronic severe dry eye. The rigid material and the lens edge can increase awareness of existing dryness and irritation, making them uncomfortable for some dry eye sufferers. However, some people with mild to moderate dry eye actually find RGP lenses more comfortable than soft lenses because they do not absorb moisture from the tears. Our ophthalmologists can evaluate your tear production and dry eye severity to recommend the best lens option for your specific condition.
Although RGP lens care is relatively simple, it still requires daily cleaning and proper handling with good hygiene practices. If you are not willing or able to commit to a consistent care routine, you may have problems with lens deposits, reduced comfort, or eye infections. Proper cleaning, storage, and hygiene are essential for safe contact lens wear with any type of lens. If you struggle with lens care routines, daily disposable soft lenses may be a better option.
If you work or spend significant time in very dusty, windy, or debris-filled environments, RGP lenses may be more likely to trap particles underneath the lens, causing discomfort. The smaller size of RGP lenses makes it easier for dust or debris to get under the lens edge. While this is usually easily resolved by removing and rinsing the lens, it can be inconvenient if it happens frequently. Protective eyewear or soft lenses may be better choices for these environments.
Types of RGP Lens Designs
Rigid gas permeable lenses come in several specialized designs to address different vision needs and eye conditions. Our ophthalmologists will select the best design based on your prescription, corneal shape, and eye condition.
Standard RGP lenses are designed to correct common refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism in eyes with relatively regular corneal shapes. These lenses have a smooth, spherical or toric front surface that provides clear vision for most patients. They are custom-made to match your specific prescription and corneal curvature measurements, ensuring proper fit and optimal vision correction.
For conditions like keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, corneal scarring, or post-surgical corneas, our ophthalmologists may recommend specialty RGP designs with unique shapes. These lenses may have specialized curves that vault over irregular areas of the cornea and create a smooth optical surface with the tear layer underneath. Some specialty designs are slightly larger in diameter to provide more stability and coverage on irregular corneas. These custom lenses require precise fitting expertise and advanced diagnostic equipment to ensure proper alignment and comfort.
If you have presbyopia and need both distance and reading correction, bifocal or multifocal RGP lenses can provide clear vision at all distances without the need for reading glasses. These lenses incorporate multiple zones with different powers, similar to progressive eyeglasses, allowing you to see clearly at far, intermediate, and near distances. Many presbyopic patients find that multifocal RGP lenses provide better, more stable vision quality than soft multifocal contact lenses because the rigid design maintains its position and optical zones more consistently.
Orthokeratology lenses, also called ortho-k or corneal reshaping lenses, are specialty RGP lenses worn overnight that temporarily reshape your cornea while you sleep. When you remove the lenses in the morning, you can see clearly throughout the day without wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses. This treatment is particularly popular for children and teenagers with progressing myopia because research shows it can slow down the progression of nearsightedness. Orthokeratology is also an excellent option for adults who want clear daytime vision without daytime lens wear. Our ophthalmologists can discuss whether orthokeratology is appropriate for you or your child.
Comparing RGP and Soft Contact Lenses
Understanding the key differences between rigid gas permeable lenses and soft lenses can help you make an informed decision about which type is best for you and your lifestyle.
RGP lenses generally provide sharper, more stable vision than soft lenses because they maintain their rigid shape throughout the day and do not dehydrate or change power. Soft lenses conform to the eye surface and can shift position, rotate, or dry out as the day progresses, which may cause vision to fluctuate or blur. For people who prioritize the crispest possible vision, especially those with astigmatism or irregular corneas, RGP lenses are often the superior choice. Many patients report that their vision with RGP lenses is noticeably clearer than anything they experienced with soft lenses.
Soft contact lenses are more comfortable initially and require little to no adaptation period. Most people can wear soft lenses comfortably within minutes of first putting them in because the flexible material conforms to the eye. RGP lenses require one to two weeks of adaptation but become quite comfortable once your eyes adjust. After the adaptation period, many long-term RGP wearers report comfort levels similar to soft lenses. Your tolerance for the initial adjustment period and your willingness to commit to consistent wear during adaptation will influence which lens type is better for you.
RGP lenses are easier to handle than soft lenses because they are firmer and less delicate. They do not fold, stick together, or tear easily, and they are simpler to insert and remove once you learn the technique. However, RGP lenses can scratch or crack if dropped on a hard surface like tile or concrete. Soft lenses are more fragile and can rip easily during handling, cleaning, or insertion, but they are less likely to break from impact if dropped.
RGP lenses typically have a higher upfront cost than soft lenses because they require more extensive fitting appointments and custom manufacturing. However, because they last much longer, they are often more economical over time. A single pair of RGP lenses can last one to two years or more with proper care, while many soft lenses are designed for daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly replacement. Over several years, RGP lenses may cost significantly less overall despite the higher initial investment.
RGP lenses provide excellent oxygen permeability both through the lens material and through the tear exchange that occurs with blinking. This superior oxygen delivery helps maintain long-term corneal health. While modern silicone hydrogel soft lenses also have good oxygen permeability, RGP lenses still offer advantages in terms of tear circulation and surface deposits. For people concerned about long-term eye health with decades of contact lens wear, RGP lenses offer proven benefits.
Getting Fitted for RGP Lenses
The fitting process for rigid gas permeable lenses is more involved than for soft contact lenses and requires specialized expertise. Our ophthalmologists at ReFocus Eye Health Bloomfield (NW) will take precise measurements to ensure your lenses provide optimal vision and comfort.
Before fitting RGP lenses, our ophthalmologists will perform a thorough eye examination to assess your overall eye health, diagnose any conditions that might affect lens wear, and determine your exact prescription. This exam includes measuring your visual acuity, checking your eye pressure, examining the internal structures of your eye, and evaluating the health of your cornea, tear film, and eyelids. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that contact lenses are safe and appropriate for you.
Fitting RGP lenses requires precise measurements of your corneal shape, curvature, and diameter. Our ophthalmologists use advanced technology like corneal topography, which creates a detailed, color-coded map of your cornea surface showing even subtle irregularities. These measurements, along with keratometry readings that measure the steepness of your cornea, ensure that your lenses are designed specifically for your unique eye shape. This precision is especially important if you have astigmatism, keratoconus, or irregular corneas.
During your fitting appointment, our ophthalmologists will place trial RGP lenses on your eyes to evaluate the fit and determine the optimal lens parameters. The lenses should center well on your cornea, move slightly with each blink to allow tear exchange, and provide a proper clearance over the cornea. Our ophthalmologists will examine how the lenses sit on your eyes using specialized instruments, assess your vision with the trial lenses, and make any necessary adjustments to the lens design, curvature, or diameter before ordering your custom lenses.
After you receive your custom RGP lenses, you will return for follow-up appointments to ensure the lenses are fitting properly, your eyes are healthy, and your vision is optimal. Our ophthalmologists will check your vision, examine the lens fit and movement, evaluate the health of your cornea and surrounding tissues, and address any concerns you have during the adaptation period. These follow-up visits are important for long-term success with RGP lenses. We typically schedule visits after the first day of wear, after one week, and then periodically to monitor your progress.
Caring for Your RGP Lenses
Proper care and maintenance of your rigid gas permeable lenses will keep them comfortable, ensure clear vision, and protect your eye health. The care routine for RGP lenses is straightforward and becomes quick and easy with practice.
You should clean your RGP lenses every time you remove them to prevent the buildup of proteins, lipids, and debris. Place a few drops of RGP cleaning solution on each lens in the palm of your hand, gently rub the lens with your fingertip in a circular motion for about 20 seconds on each side, then rinse thoroughly with saline solution or multipurpose RGP solution. This mechanical cleaning removes substances that accumulate during wear and helps maintain optimal lens comfort and clarity. Never use water to clean or rinse your lenses, as it can introduce harmful microorganisms.
Store your RGP lenses in a clean case filled with fresh conditioning or multipurpose solution every night when not wearing them. The solution disinfects the lenses, removes any remaining debris, and keeps them properly hydrated. Never reuse old solution or top off your case with fresh solution, as this can lead to contamination and increase your risk of eye infections. Replace your lens case at least every three months or whenever it appears dirty or damaged to prevent bacterial buildup.
In addition to daily cleaning, you may need to perform periodic deep cleaning using an enzyme cleaner or protein remover, typically once a week or as recommended by our ophthalmologists. These products break down stubborn protein deposits that can accumulate on your lenses over time and affect comfort and vision. Regular deep cleaning helps maintain clear vision, comfortable lens wear, and proper lens wettability. Our team will recommend how often to use these products based on your individual needs and how quickly deposits build up on your lenses.
Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your RGP lenses to prevent transferring bacteria or debris to your eyes. Handle your lenses over a soft towel, soft surface, or plugged sink to prevent damage if you drop them, as RGP lenses can crack or chip if they fall on hard surfaces. Inspect your lenses regularly for any scratches, chips, cracks, warping, or other damage, and contact our office immediately if you notice any problems. Damaged lenses can irritate or scratch your eyes and should be replaced promptly.
Even with proper home care, you should have your RGP lenses professionally evaluated and cleaned periodically by our team. We can remove stubborn deposits, check for lens warping or damage, and ensure your lenses are still providing the best vision and fit. Regular annual eye exams are also essential to monitor your overall eye health and ensure your prescription has not changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions patients ask about rigid gas permeable contact lenses.
Most people fully adapt to RGP lenses within one to two weeks of consistent daily wear. Some people adapt more quickly, while others may take up to three weeks. The key is wearing the lenses consistently according to the schedule provided by our ophthalmologists. The initial awareness and mild discomfort gradually decrease each day as your eyelids and cornea adapt to the lens presence.
It depends on the severity of your dry eye condition. Some people with mild to moderate dry eye actually find RGP lenses more comfortable than soft lenses because RGP lenses do not absorb moisture from your tears. However, severe dry eye may make RGP lens wear uncomfortable. Our ophthalmologists can evaluate your tear production, tear quality, and overall dry eye severity to determine if RGP lenses are appropriate for you. We may also recommend dry eye treatments to improve your comfort before or during RGP lens wear.
RGP lenses have a higher initial cost because they require more extensive professional time for fitting and are custom-manufactured for your specific eyes. However, because they last much longer than soft lenses, they are often less expensive over time. A single pair of RGP lenses can last one to two years or more, while soft lenses require frequent replacement. When you calculate the cost over several years, RGP lenses are often more economical.
Most standard RGP lenses are designed for daily wear and should be removed before sleeping. However, some specialty RGP lenses are approved for extended wear or overnight wear, including orthokeratology lenses that are specifically designed to be worn during sleep. Our ophthalmologists will advise you on the appropriate wearing schedule for your specific lenses and discuss whether extended wear is safe and appropriate for your eyes.
While this can happen occasionally, RGP lenses cannot actually get lost behind your eye or become permanently stuck, as there is a membrane that prevents anything from going behind the eyeball. If a lens slides under your upper eyelid, you can usually retrieve it by looking down, gently massaging your upper eyelid, and blinking. Applying rewetting drops can also help. If you cannot locate or remove the lens, contact our office for assistance.
Signs that your RGP lenses may need replacement include visible scratches, chips, or cracks in the lens material, warping or changes in lens shape, decreased comfort even with proper cleaning, cloudy or hazy vision that does not improve with cleaning, or lens deposits that cannot be removed. Even without visible damage, most RGP lenses should be replaced every one to two years to ensure optimal vision and comfort. Our ophthalmologists will examine your lenses during your annual eye exams and advise you when replacement is needed.
Schedule Your RGP Contact Lens Consultation
If you are interested in exploring rigid gas permeable contact lenses or want to learn more about your vision correction options, ReFocus Eye Health Bloomfield (NW) is here to help. Our ophthalmologists serving Bloomfield, Hartford, West Hartford, East Hartford, and the Greater Hartford–East Hartford–Middletown Metro Area have the expertise and technology to determine if RGP lenses are right for you and provide expert fitting and ongoing care for optimal vision and comfort.
I had cataract surgery with Dr. Kevin Dinowitz. Had excellent experience. Staff were helpful, attentive to COVID protocols, and guided me smoothly from consult to follow-up. Vision greatly improved!
Paul Wiehn
PEC in Bloomfield is always efficient with friendly staff. I’ve been very satisfied with my care and appreciate that they don’t push glasses, though the on-site option is convenient.
Jay Kean
I got a same-day appointment with Dr. Pasternack after a walk-in clinic visit. He confirmed no debris, gave me treatment, and my eye quickly improved. Great care—lesson learned: always wear safety glasses!
Michael Pieper
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Pasternack at Primary Eye Care for many years and am very satisfied. The staff are friendly, professional, and thorough, always providing great service. I’m a happy customer
Natalie Mendes
The doctors and staff are outstanding. I was seen the same day for possible retina issues. Thankfully it wasn’t serious, but I truly appreciated the respectful, thorough care I received.
Kevin Noblet
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